A letter meant to stay sealed for 10 years was opened early by Tim and Mary, and what they found inside changed everything.

Taylor Smith, a regular 12-year-old from Johnson City, Tennessee, had typical teenage dreams – going to college, exploring the world, and making lots of friends. She loved spending time with family and friends and was a big fan of watching Doctor Who.

In April 2013, Taylor wrote a letter to her future self, detailing her plans. She kept it in a box in her room with a note saying she should open it on April 12, 2023, unless told otherwise.

Sadly, Taylor passed away before seeing if her dreams came true, due to pneumonia complications.

Her parents, Tim and Mary Ellen Smith, were heartbroken. As they went through her things, they found the letter, and it deeply touched them. They decided to share it online, hoping it would bring comfort to others.

Mary Ellen said, “I can’t bring her back, but her words have given me life,” as she shared Taylor’s letter. “I’m grateful her story has inspired so many.”

Below is Taylor’s letter and the words she wrote to herself.

Dear Taylor,

How’s life? Life is pretty simple right now (10 years in your past). I know I’m late for you, but as I’m writing, this is early, so; congratulations on graduating high school! If you didn’t, go back and keep trying. Get that degree! Are you (we) in college? If not, I understand. We do have pretty good reasoning, after all.

Don’t forget, it’s Allana’s 11th birthday today! Sheesh, 11 already? In my time, she just turned 1! I didn’t get to go to that party though, because I was in Cranks, Kentucky for my first mission trip. I’ve only been back for 6 days!

Speaking of, how’s your relationship with GOD? Have you prayed, worshipped, read the bible, or gone to serve the lord recently? If not, get up and do so NOW! I don’t care what point in our life we’re in right now, do it! He was mocked, beaten, tortured, and crucified for you! A sinless man, who never did you or any other person any wrong!

Now, have you gone on any more mission trips? Have you been out of the country yet? How about on a plane?

Is Doctor Who still on the air? If not, what regeneration did they end it with? You should go watch some Doctor Who! Later though, you gotta finish reading your own words of wisdom!

Do you have your own place yet? If we’re in college, what are we majoring in? Right now, I wanna be a lawyer.

Have you been to Dollywood recently? Right now, their newest attraction is the Wild Eagle. It’s so fun!

Also I think I’m going to sell my iPad and buy an iPad mini, Don’t forget to tell your kids that we’re older than the tablet! Attached I also have a drawing of an iPad, so you can show them.

Well, I think that’s all. But remember, it’s been 10 years since I wrote this. Stuff has happened, good and bad. That’s just how life works, and you have to go with it.

Sincerely, Taylor Smith

Lovely words from a angel who left her family too early!

If you were touched by Taylor’s words as much as we were, please share this story in her memory.